Big Star's Third to be Performed by Jody Stephens, Members of R.E.M. at SXSW

A press release announced today that Big Star’s seminal album Third will be performed in its entirety at SXSW. The album will be performed by Big Star drummer Jody Stephens, along with former R.E.M. members Mike Mills and Peter Buck. Chris Stamey of the dBs will also join for the appearance. The show will take place on March 15 at Austin’s Paramount Theatre.

“There’s something about this record that connects with my generation, and apparently many generations,” Stamey said. “With this performance we hope to breathe life into a bittersweet album that has come to mean so much to so many musicians and fans.”

The event comes two years after Big Star songwriter Alex Chilton’s unexpected death, when members of R.E.M. and Stephens first collaborated. Bassist Andy Hummel died shortly after Chilton. The event will also feature a screening of the full-length documentary titled Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me (Work-in-Progress). For people without badges, passes or wristbands for the event, tickets will be available at the venue 15 minutes before the event for $25. A limited number of advance single tickets will be made available through the theater’s website.